National diabetes inpatient specialist nursing group appoints new chair

After a competitive recruitment process, Andrea Lake was appointed as the new Chair of the Diabetes Inpatient Specialist Nurse (DISN) UK Group at the latest committee meeting.

Andrea is currently a clinical doctoral research fellow at the Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Having worked as a diabetes inpatient specialist nurse for the last 13 years, Andrea hopes her clinical and research experience will benefit her new position with the DISN UK group and is “deeply honoured and excited to take on the role of Chair”.

In her new post she is hoping to build on the work undertaken by her predecessors to grow and strengthen the DISN UK group to “support, inspire and empower” diabetes inpatient staff, and continue to reinforce the importance of the role our members play for people with diabetes whilst in hospital. 

“As we embark on this journey together, my vision is to support, inspire and empower each member towards a common goal: achieving excellence in diabetes care in hospital.”

She added: “We aim to achieve this through growing and strengthening the DISN group, listening to our members needs, highlighting the importance and complexities of the DISN role, developing tools, facilitating improved sharing of best practice, and working together with other national inpatient groups.

“With dedication, collaboration, and a shared commitment to excellence, we make a meaningful difference in the outcomes and experiences of those we serve.”

Paula Johnston, Lead Inpatient Diabetes Specialist Nurse at University Hospital Southampton, has also been announced as the Vice Chair of the DISN UK Group.

She said: “I am truly delighted and humbled to take on this role. Our group has been a beacon of support, innovation, and positive change within the field of inpatient diabetes care.

“As we move forward, I am committed to continuing our mission to provide a safe and collaborative space for DISNs to exchange ideas, share best practices, and offer unwavering peer support.”

She continued: “Together, we will continue to champion positive change and influence inpatient care practices, all within a safe and confidential space.”

Founded in February 2004, the DISN UK Group is an organisation that aims to provide a forum for DISNs to share ideas, best practice and offer peer support, striving to effect change and influence practice.

As a group it provides a confidential, non-judgemental environment to discuss issues affecting inpatient care and now has more than 300 members across England, Scotland and Wales.

The DISN UK Group is hosting a webinar in November to mark World Diabetes Day. The online event will discuss the past, present and future of diabetes inpatient nursing.

For more information and to register for the webinar, click here.